Tillerson Toughens Tone on Iran After U.S. Confirms Nuclear Deal Compliance
Once the National Security Council completes its review of the nuclear deal, Mr. Tillerson said, "we will meet the challenges Iran poses with clarity and conviction." The certification decision means
that the administration has extended relief from sanctions given to the Iranian government in exchange for constraints on its nuclear program.
During the 2016 campaign, Mr. Trump denounced the nuclear agreement as "the worst deal ever." Mr. Tillerson adopted
a decidedly sharper tone toward Iran in a hastily announced news conference late Wednesday afternoon.
By GARDINER HARRISAPRIL 19, 2017
WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson declared on Wednesday
that Iran continued to threaten the United States and the rest of the world and said that President Trump’s administration was reviewing ways to counter challenges posed by Tehran.
His comments sought to clarify the administration’s certification late Tuesday night
that Iran is complying with a 2015 agreement by world powers to limit Tehran’s nuclear program in exchange for easing international sanctions that crippled the Islamic republic’s economy.
"This deal represents the same failed approach of the past
that brought us to the current imminent threat that we face from North Korea," Mr. Tillerson told reporters at the State Department.
